Read Mark 10:1-16
Even in the first century divorce was legal. All that was required was a husband’s letter indicating his wife’s dismissal. Today’s legalities are much more substantial. It may be legal, but in the eyes of God, divorce is yet further evidence of our need for a savior. Surprisingly, this passage of scripture is not about divorce. The Pharisees’ only reason for bringing it up was another attempt to trap Jesus. Once again, their attempts failed. It is here where the text takes an unexpected turn.
As the disciples were seeking explanation concerning divorce, people began bringing children to Jesus so that he might touch them. Throughout Mark’s gospel, being touched by Jesus meant being healed. In the confrontation with the Pharisees centered on divorce, we see humanity’s brokenness and need for restoration. The children represent the weak and vulnerable; they serve as representatives for all who seek God’s healing, restoration, and forgiveness.
The people of God are the children welcomed into the presence of Christ. We come to Jesus to be healed, to be made whole and to be set free from the consequences of our disobedience. Jesus says, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them.” Bring those who face the hardship of sin, sickness, and divorce. In their brokenness, I will forgive them, bless them, and give them life.
Even in difficult circumstances such as divorce, our Lord Jesus has the power to forgive and restore those who seek his grace. Through Christ, there is hope for renewal. There is hope for healing. And there is abundant love that is poured out upon the children of God, a love so true that it will overcome any and all brokenness of our human condition.
Prayer: As we come into your presence, O Lord, bless and heal us with the power of your love. Amen.
Bible Study Archive
Pastoral Devotion for July – Touched by Christ
Posted July 14, 2025 By adminVBS 2025!
Posted July 10, 2025 By admin
VBS 2025! Thank you for being part of a great week of VBS. We were reminded that when we are wandering, when we are alone, when we are powerless, when we need hope, and when we need a helper….we can always trust Jesus!
Thank you to all of our volunteers. Many thanks to Sandra, Davis, Gerald and Billy for preparing our meals. Thank you to Karla and Renee for crafts, Angela and Emma for Music, John, Tracy, Katelyn, Isabelle, and JT for games, and Julie Z, Donna, Raine, Judy, Patricia, Julie S, Lynn, and Kendra for shepherding our kids to each of the rotations and Pastor, Susan and David for sharing your time and lessons with the youth and adults. Thanks to all our participants too! You made VBS fun!
Sanctuary Renovation Update for July
You may have noticed already, but the pew refurbishing and the new pew cushions installation is complete! This is the first phase of the renovation and was completed the last week of June. If you were at worship on Sunday, June 29th, you have already had an opportunity to see the new blue color and try out the comfortable cushions!
We know you are wondering why some pews were left untouched. The simple answer is that these pews will be removed when the carpet is installed. It will look a bit odd for a brief time, but the pews will eventually be arranged in a way that allows for additional wheelchair seating toward the front and back of the sanctuary.
The next phase will involve carpentry work beginning in the narthex. This work will likely begin mid-August. We will keep you updated as the project progresses!
Midweek Bible Study Returns
Our Midweek Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, July 2nd beginning at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Our topic for study will be Recognizing Jesus in the Old Testament. This seven week study is for anyone who desires to learn more of how the Son of God is revealed to us through the books of the Old Testament. There are no special materials required. Just bring along your Bible and a desire to have a healthy and faithful conversation centered on the revelation of Jesus through the writings of Moses, the Psalms and prophets.
Adult Confirmation
Posted July 8, 2025 By adminOur Adult Confirmation study meets in the church office conference room on selected Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 PM. All who are interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, teaching, and worship are welcome to attend, regardless of if you grew up in the Lutheran Church or another denomination. We will examine elements of Luther’s Large Catechism, the Book of Concord and the traditions of Lutheran preaching and worship. No special materials are needed. Many life-long Lutherans wonder why we do certain liturgies or traditions or have questions regarding the liturgies or traditions. Participants will enjoy learning more and having their questions answered. Please let Pastor David know if you would like to participate.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted July 7, 2025 By adminJesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
The verse I’ve chosen for this month’s reflection is one that has been often misinterpreted to mean people should not reminisce over the past, but always look to the future with faith. While the sentiment is true, we should always be looking in faith toward our gaining the kingdom of God. But it goes without saying that often our memories bring with them feelings of love, warmth, and peace through the lasting visions of those whom we love, or have loved in the past.
As your pastor, I often find myself steeped in memories of those whom I have had the pleasure of knowing, and also the joy of being included in so many milestone moments for celebration. Along with those are the moments when faith plays a profound role in the lives of people whose hearts are broken or perhaps filled with great joy. Given the collection of memories God has blessed me to make through my years of pastoral ministry, it has taken quite some time to write my column this month. Even as my hand has been “to the plow,” I’ve been looking back and remembering the joys and sorrows I’ve shared with so many.
It might seem strange to hear a pastor say, but I thank God for Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of electronic media. It is through these instruments that I have been able to remain connected to so many of the people I love and continue to enjoy the pastoral relationship once shared in person but now shared through social media. I enjoy seeing the photographs of children I had the pleasure to baptize as they have grown over the years. Some have recently graduated high school and will be off to college later this year.
Several of the “little ones” from previous congregations have now taken their place among the workforce. Youth whom I have confirmed in the Carolinas now live in places such as Alaska, North Dakota, and California. Two have become registered nurses. One has become a doctor, and yet another is now an award winning TV news investigative reporter. I love it when these “kids” drop me a quick note, tag me in a photo, or send an instant message just to say “hi.” I’ve even had the pleasure and honor of having former youth group members ask me to preside at their wedding. It is such a joy to see “our children” grow in faith and to see their life unfold.
All of this makes me wonder what the youth of St. Jacob’s will be up to in about ten years or so. The children I’ve been blessed to baptize will be preparing for confirmation. The ones confirmed will be preparing for life after college or will have begun their careers. And our middle school and high school youth might even be enjoying moments and making memories with their spouses and children. Who knows what blessings from God await us all as we continue to grow in faithfulness and in our relationship together.
So as we reflect on our verse for this month, don’t take it to say you should not look back on fond memories. God provides us with recollection so we can relive the moments of joy they bring. Memories play a central role in preparing us for those milestone moments we will experience in the future, but memories are not that which we are to look to for promise in our lives yet to come.
Using Jesus’s metaphor, in plowing a field, a farmer keeps the rows straight by focusing on an immovable object in front and in the distance. If the farmer started to plow and kept looking back, he would never make straight rows and do a good job plowing. In following Jesus, he is to be the immovable object of our focus. Never take your eyes off Him. Our memories bring us pleasure, but they are in the past. No plowman ever plowed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder.
Plowmen also do something else of great importance: they hold on. A plowman who lets go is no plowman at all. Jesus teaches us to hold on to him. Grasp hold of him through faith and know that through the love of God, a life of blessing awaits. This life may not be of this world but will last for all eternity in the kingdom of heaven.
Watching our children grow, living through the emotional moments of life together as pastor and people. Enjoying all the splendid blessings God pours out upon us all. This is what is on your pastor’s heart this summer.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
The Vocation of Marriage Sunday
Posted July 1, 2025 By adminOn June 13, 1525, Martin Luther married Katharina von Bora, establishing a profound example of Christian marriage as a sacred vocation. Their partnership embodied mutual respect, faithful companionship, hospitality, and spiritual ministry. Luther emphasized marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with His Church, calling couples to mutual love and support, grounded in God’s sustaining grace. As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin and Katie Luther’s marriage, the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) renews its commitment to strengthening the vocation of marriage and supporting families in their journey of discipleship and honoring marriage as a spiritual vocation shaped by grace, while prayerfully supporting those experiencing separation or divorce.
This year, the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora was commemorated on June 13, 2025. Their marriage was an event that helped reform not only the Church, but the Christian household itself. Martin and Katie’s marriage became a living witness to faith, companionship, and the daily practice of grace.
To mark this historic anniversary, our congregation will join the NALC in observing a Vocation of Marriage Sunday during this Season after Pentecost. The NALC is inviting every congregation to take part in planning a special Sunday to honor the vocation of marriage, affirm the dignity of all Christian households, and strengthen the Church’s witness to covenantal love. St. Jacob’s is planning a unique Sunday service for July 6th, with special liturgical materials, Scripture reflections, prayers, and even a rite for affirming marriage vows during worship. Support and strengthening of Christian families is central to living in faith together. Therefore, whether you are young or old, married or unmarried, widowed or divorced, this Sunday is for you.
Midweek Bible Study Returns
Posted July 1, 2025 By adminOur Midweek Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, July 2nd beginning at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Our topic for study will be Recognizing Jesus in the Old Testament. This seven week study is for anyone who desires to learn more of how the Son of God is revealed to us through the books of the Old Testament. There are no special materials required. Just bring along your Bible and a desire to have a healthy and faithful conversation centered on the revelation of Jesus through the writings of Moses, the Psalms and prophets.
Up and Going
Posted July 1, 2025 By adminTwenty-four members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall on June 12th at 11:00 AM to enjoy a very special lunch. Lunch was a fish fry cooked onsite by Gerald, assisted by Ann and Leon. The fish were caught out of Ann’s pond by Ann and prepared by Ann. She put the magic touch on them. Other sides and desserts were provided by other members. Our meal was simply delicious. You can’t beat a good fish fry! Special thanks to Ann, Gerald, and Leon.
After lunch, we gathered for devotions by Helen , Team Leader. She chose the Bible reading from Matthew 4, verses 18 and 19. Devotional reading was from Max Lucado’s Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, week 20: “Freedom from Shame.” Peter is changed by Jesus from a fisherman into a fisher of men.
Business was conducted. Gary gave the Treasurer’s report. Cards were signed for Betty Ann’s 94th birthday; sympathy cards for Bryan, Janet, Ann and Elizabeth; and a get-well card to Miriam.
After some fish stories, we closed with goodbyes and good wishes. The July meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The theme will be 4th of July picnic so please dress patriotically and bring picnic lunch items to share.
Helen Team Leader
Up and Going
Lutheran Women
Posted June 24, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women will not meet in June or July. August 10th will be the annual outing at Zorba’s. A Third Sunday meetings will resume on September 21st. All women of St. Jacob’s are welcome and encouraged to join us for fellowship.
Up and Going
Posted June 7, 2025 By adminFifteen members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall on May 8th at 11:00 AM for the monthly meeting of the Up and Going. Helen, Team Leader, welcomed everyone and introduced the program leader Ms. Debra Brown.
Helen gave the devotions from Max Lucado’s Bible study entitled “Experiencing The Heart of Jesus”. The reading came from a section entitled “God’s Promises”. The Bible reading was from Matthew, the 19th chapter, and ended with prayers. A short business section followed.
Gerald offered grace for our meal. Lunch was an awesome covered dish meal consisting of a large variety of meats, vegetables, side dishes and desserts. Everything was so delicious.
Our program guest was Debra Brown from Boland’s Ace Hardware. Debra is the gifted specialist over the nursery and plant section as well as the bird accessories, yard flags and yard decorations. She spoke to us about flowers and plants and their proper care. We asked many questions, all of which Debra graciously answered. She brought a large number of beautiful items from Boland’s and explained how to use and enjoy them. We were all impressed with these beautiful and useful treasures. At the conclusion of Debra’s presentation, each person was given the item of their choice. We were thrilled with these lovely gifts, now ours to use and treasure. Our special thanks to Debra for such an enjoyable time with us.
The June meeting will be on the 2nd Thursday, June 12th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be a fish fry. Ann Lindler will provide the fish and Gerald will be the chief cook. Everyone is asked to provide needed items and side dishes or desserts. Gerald will instruct us on how to fry fish. Look forward to seeing you then.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
Youth News
Posted June 7, 2025 By adminOur youth meet again on Sunday, June 22nd from 5:00—7:00 PM. Supper will be provided. We will enjoy games, and plan worship for the following Sunday, June 29th. We will also explore how God can use even the hard times in our lives for His good. Come enjoy an evening with your friends and bring a guest.
